sounds like they are just using the keep it simple stupid method at mandala, nothing against it but i could see seeds popping up at very different times which if your looking for everything to finish together or be on same general maturation rate could be an issue. i presoak mine and then put in wet paper towel on plate under DVR until tail just gets going then into soil. very good rate i think they are just trying to cut out the steps so less can go wrong. leave em in water too long and kill em, paper towel too long and tap root hairs get stuck in paper towel and damaged. etc..